Ugalla River Game Reserve

Welcome to Ugalla River Game Reserve

This flat and low-lying Game Reserve was created in 1965 and covers an area of 5000 square kilometers (1930 square miles) across Tabora region in Central-western Tanzania, on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika. It derived its name from River Ugalla that flows through its landscape and is one of the most exceptional Protected Areas in the country because it is the only licensed Reserve for fishermen and honey gatherers (for only 6 months a year)

Climate and Vegetation of Ugalla River Game Reserve

There are two main seasons here-dry and wet season with rains coming from March to May and is the perfect time for bird watchers to visit but majority of the roads become impassable due to heavy rains while the dry season begins from June to September and December to February and is ideal for game viewing. The general temperature of the Reserve ranges from 13 to 41 Celsius degrees depending on the altitude of the area.

The area of this Game Reserve is made up of two main ecosystems that include the vast floodplains and the immense Miombo woodland that offers shelter to a wide range of wildlife and bird species. There is a flood plain alongside the Wala and Ugalla Rivers offering all year water supply for the elephants and other wildlife species found in the Game Reserve.

Additionally, bird species such as Ostriches and secretary birds are easily spotted within Ugalla River Game Reserve. Besides the animals and birds, the spectacular Ugalla River that drains through the middle of the Game Reserve is another important attraction to explore within this wonderful Reserve. Some of the activities to enjoy here include game viewing walking safaris, fishing, honey gathering and hunting.

Perfect Time to explore Ugalla River Game Reserve

Much as the Reserve is open all year round, it is a good idea to explore it during the dry season because the wet season is inaccessible due to the extensive floods and muddy or slippery roads leading to and within the Reserve. The dry season is also a perfect time for wildlife viewing much as there are also numerous bird species to see during the wet season.

Access to Ugalla River Game Reserve

Accessibility to this Game Reserve is by road where 4WD Vehicles are used due to the impassable roads during rainy season or air transport where chartered flights are organized from Arusha and Dar es Salaam.

In conclusion, Ugalla River Game Reserve is a wonderful tourist destination within Tanzania and rewards tourists with the views of wildlife species such as common reedbucks, Hyenas, Topis, Crocodiles, African wild dogs, the Lichtenstein’s hartebeests, Oribis, the Roan antelopes, jackals, elands, bush pigs, warthogs, Defassa waterbucks, elephants and many others, thus making nature walks the main activity within the Game Reserve.